A Guide for Bird-Loving Board Gamers
Right, let’s talk Wingspan. I’ve played a lot of board games over the years, but this one? It’s something special. It’s been a firm favourite in my house ever since I first tried it at a board game night run by Sheffield Libraries. That was over a year ago, and since then, I’ve played it countless times, both in person and online via Board Game Arena.
What Is Wingspan?
At its core, Wingspan is a bird-collecting, engine-building game. Picture a nature reserve on your tabletop. You’re attracting different species to your wildlife preserve, each with unique abilities that help you score points, gather resources, and refine your strategy. It’s beautifully designed seriously, the first time I opened the box, I was stunned by the artwork and production quality.
- Players: 1-5
- Playtime: 40-70 minutes (although, let’s be real, if you’re prone to analysis paralysis, it might run a bit longer)
- Publisher: Stonemaier Games
- Designer: Elizabeth Hargrave
How Do You Play Wingspan?
Each player has a personal board representing their wildlife preserve, split into three habitats:
- Forests (gather food)
- Grasslands (lay eggs)
- Wetlands (draw cards)
To play a bird, you need to pay the correct food cost. Once a bird is in your preserve, it activates its special ability when you take an action in its habitat. Some birds let you gain more food, others help with eggs, and some provide powerful card-drawing benefits. The real challenge is in building a smooth, efficient engine where your birds complement each other.
You’re not just slapping down any old bird and hoping for the best. There’s real strategy involved figuring out which birds work well together, when to play them, and how to maximise your points. It’s a bit like assembling a football team: you need the right mix of skills to succeed.
Why Wingspan Stands Out
A Theme That Truly Sings
There’s something wonderfully immersive about Wingspan. You’re not just moving pieces around; you’re learning about real bird species as you play. Each card features a beautifully illustrated bird, along with fun facts about its habits, diet, and range. It’s one of those games that makes you appreciate nature a little more, even if you’re usually more into spreadsheets than sparrows.
Top-Notch Components
The production quality is genuinely impressive. The bird cards are gorgeous, the wooden eggs are ridiculously cute, and even the food tokens representing berries, fish, seeds, and more are well-designed. Oh, and let’s not forget the dice tower, shaped like a bird feeder. It’s a small touch, but it makes rolling for food feel oddly satisfying.
A Relaxing Yet Competitive Experience
Some board games are all about cutthroat competition. Wingspan isn’t one of them. Sure, there’s strategy involved, and you might be racing to complete certain objectives, but there’s no direct player conflict. It’s the kind of game where you can focus on your own little puzzle without worrying too much about someone ruining your plans. That said, experienced players can absolutely optimise their play to a competitive level.
If you’re into high-energy, in-your-face games, this might feel a bit slow. But if you enjoy a game that lets you think without stressing you out, it’s perfect. Plus, if you want more complexity, there are expansions for Wingspan that introduce new birds and mechanics. The Oceania Expansion is a personal favourite, adding some fantastic new abilities and scoring opportunities.
Want to See It in Action?
If you’re curious but don’t want to commit just yet, there are loads of playthrough videos online. I’d recommend this one as a solid introduction:
Final Thoughts
Honestly, Wingspan is a fantastic game. It’s beautifully designed, rewarding to play, and perfect for both casual and serious gamers. Whether you’re into birds or just love a well-balanced strategy game, it’s worth a try. It’s taken flight in my house, and I reckon it’ll do the same in yours.
So, what do you think? Have you played Wingspan? If not, is it on your list? Let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
If you don’t already have Wingspan, it’s often on offer on Amazon
Wingspan Photo Gallery
